Proverbs 15:21-31

21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they are established.

23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, To keep him from going downward to She'ol.

25 The LORD will uproot the house of the proud, But he will keep the widow's borders intact.

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

31 The ear that listens to the reproof lives, And will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 15:21-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO FIRST KINGS 5

This chapter relates Solomon's preparation for building the temple: on Hiram, king of Tyre, sending a congratulatory letter to him, he returned another to him, signifying his intention to build an house for God, and requesting him to supply him with timber, and men to work it, 1Ki 5:1-6; to which Hiram readily agreed, and sent him cedar and fir, and Solomon in return sent him food for his household; and things went on very amicably between them, 1Ki 5:7-12; the chapter concludes with an account of Solomon's workmen, where, how, and in what they were employed, 1Ki 5:13-18.